For years, the Los Angeles Lakers have needed someone to step up next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Sometimes, it’s Austin Reaves.
Sometimes, it’s Dalton Knecht.
And other times, it’s D’Angelo Russell.
The latter, however, seldom appears to be at his best when his team needs him.
That’s why the fans were unimpressed by his 28-point explosion in the win over the Portland Trail Blazers, as they know it might not be sustainable.
Following the game, several fans took to social media to urge other fans not to get too carried away with Russell’s performance, as he will most likely fall back to Earth in the following contest.
D’Lo balled out in the Lakers win vs. the Blazers 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/TzoWGrXWhQ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 9, 2024
One game every 15
— Dean 🦂 (@dean_444) December 9, 2024
But is inconsistent especially vs good teams.
— king moses (@kingmos63322010) December 9, 2024
The most inconsistent player EVER.
— Sean Sylvanus (@sylvanus01) December 9, 2024
It’s hard not to agree with them.
Russell came off the bench with 28 points, five rebounds, 14 assists, one steal, and five three-pointers on 9-of-17 shooting and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Those numbers, even against a struggling team like the Blazers, were very impressive.
Russell’s talent has never been doubted, and what frustrates the fans is knowing that he’s capable of putting up these kinds of numbers on a nightly basis, yet for whatever reason, he just can’t do it.
Russell has been constantly involved in trade rumors, and he’s been in and out of the starting lineup for most of his second tenure with the Lakers.
Of course, they would love to get this kind of production from him night in and night out, but it’s hard to get excited about him after so many years of watching the same thing.
NEXT: Fans React To Bronny James' Big Performance On Saturday